Supreme Court Seeks Responses Of Union, FSSAI On Plea Against Overuse Of Pesticides On Food Crops & Artificial Colouring

The Supreme Court on Friday (May 17) issued notice in a plea regarding the use and overuse of pesticides and other chemical insecticides on food crops and food items. The Court has sought responses from the Union and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regarding the excessive use of artificial chemicals in edibles. 

The bench, led by CJI DY Chandrachud comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra agreed to consider the issues raised in a petition filed by environmentalist and lawyer, Akash Vashishtha. The petition states that the consumption of pesticide-laden foods has become the primary cause of cancers and other fatal ailments across the country.

"We'll issue notice" , stated the CJI 

The response has been sought from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of & Family Welfare, Ministry of, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSS)  regarding the concerns raised about the artificial colouring, coating, and waxing of pulses, food grains, and other items, which have led to a high incidence of deaths across the country.

Senior Advocate Ms. Anitha Shenoy, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that data collected from across the country reveals a very high number of deaths due to pesticides. She pointed out the failure of FSSAI to curb and control the use of pesticides and ensure food safety.  Shenoy emphasized the direct scientific and medical correlation between pesticides and the rising number of cancer cases in the country.

"There is an abject failure of the FSSAI to curb and control the pesticides and ensure food safety. There is a direct scientific & medical correlation of pesticides and cancers, which are on fast rise in the country"

Ms. Shenoy was accompanied by Advocates Namrata Sarah Caleb, Pariksha, and Shibani Ghosh.

Case Details : AKASH VASHISHTHA Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. W.P.(C) No. 000318 - / 2024